The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons will face off Friday at Little Caesars Arena with several key players listed on the injury report.
Cleveland’s lineup is affected by multiple uncertainties, including Donovan Mitchell (right groin strain) and James Harden (right thumb fracture), both marked questionable. Dean Wade (right ankle sprain) and Dennis Schroder (right ankle sprain) are also questionable, while Keon Ellis (left index finger fracture) joins the doubtful list. Max Strus is confirmed out after left foot surgery, and Riley Minix is sidelined on a two-way assignment.
Detroit enters the matchup with fewer injury concerns but will be without Isaiah Stewart due to a league suspension. The Pistons’ depth is further impacted as Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, and Wendell Moore Jr. are all on G League assignments.
Cleveland has struggled with consistency, winning eight of their last ten games but coming off a narrow 116-118 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on February 25.
Mitchell leads the team with 28.5 points per game, while Evan Mobley averages 17.5 points and 8.6 rebounds. Harden’s limited seven-game contribution this season still shows 18.9 points and eight assists per outing. Jarrett Allen provides 15.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the paint, giving the Cavaliers an inside presence even with absences looming.
Detroit boasts the Eastern Conference’s best record at 43-14, riding a one-game winning streak following a 124-116 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cade Cunningham averages 25.4 points and 9.8 assists, while Jalen Duren contributes 18.2 points and 10.6 rebounds. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson add scoring from the wing, with Robinson hitting 3.0 three-pointers per game at 40% accuracy. Ausar Thompson provides versatility with 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
Previous meetings this season have been split, with Cleveland taking an early win 116-95 in Detroit and the Pistons returning the favor with a 114-110 victory in Cleveland.
Friday’s game could serve as a pivotal point in the Eastern Conference standings, as the Cavaliers currently sit fourth at 37-23 and the Pistons lead the conference.
